Inside T.J. Watt’s Family Life with Brothers J.J. and Derek

T.J. Watt, a prominent linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, joined the NFL in 2017. His signing made him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in League history. He was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft after an impressive college career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. However, T.J. is not the only football player in his family; he has two brothers, J.J. and Derek, who also played professionally.

J.J. Watt: A Journey from Multisport Athlete to NFL Star

J.J. Watt showcased his athletic talent in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, at Pewaukee High School. He began his college career at Central Michigan University in 2007 as a tight end. J.J. later transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he excelled as a defensive end from 2009 to 2010.

Professional Career Highlights

• Drafted by the Houston Texans as the 11th overall pick in 2011.
• Played for ten seasons with the Texans.
• Suffered a pectoral muscle injury in 2019.
• Released by the Texans in 2021 and signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
• Announced retirement in 2022 and is now an analyst for CBS Sports.

Derek Watt: Following in Family Footsteps

Derek Watt, like his brothers, played football during his time at Pewaukee High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played as a fullback, overlapping with J.J. from 2011 to 2015.

Professional Career Summary

• Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 2016 NFL Draft (198th overall, sixth round).
• Made his professional debut in 2016.
• Finished his career as a fullback and retired in 2024.

Brotherly Bonds: Supporting Each Other’s Careers

Despite competing on opposing teams, the Watt brothers consistently support one another. In 2023, both T.J. and J.J. ranked among the top three in “most sacks in first 100 career games.” Reggie White topped the list with 105 sacks, while T.J. recorded 88, and J.J. closely followed with 87.5 sacks.

J.J. expressed on social media, “We grew up in Wisconsin, idolizing Reggie White. If you told us that someday a stat like this would exist, we wouldn’t believe you. Pretty damn cool.” This moment highlights the brothers’ remarkable achievements and their admiration for their childhood hero.